Head coach Karen Kemp announced Wednesday she has taken a leave of absence from the Lady Bucs.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 18, 2009) - Head ETSU women's basketball coach Karen Kemp announced Wednesday that she is taking a leave of absence from the Lady Bucs.

Kemp, who enters her 16th season at ETSU, has left Johnson City to be with her family in Chatsworth, Ga., as Kemp's brother passed away on Monday after battling cancer.

"I love my job and coaching the Lady Bucs, but I need to be with my family during this difficult time," said Kemp. "I may not be with the team when they take on Arkansas on Sunday, but I am hoping to return to the sidelines against ArizonaState and Hawaii next weekend."

Associate Head Coach DeShawne Blocker will take over for Kemp during this period, with Kelvin Long and Joshua Wick handling the assistant duties.

Those wishing to send flowers can do so by mailing them to Willis Funeral Home at 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Dalton, Ga.30721.